Produce harvesting and wrapping apparatus and method

ABSTRACT

A produce harvesting and wrapping apparatus and method, which facilitates the harvesting, wrapping and packing of produce in the field. The apparatus is elongated, and has a plurality of work tables extending perpendicularly therefrom. Individual workers, called packers, are positioned between work tables, and these pack harvested produce into boxes. Empty boxes are transported along the apparatus on a first, upper conveyor belt, and packed boxes are transported along the apparatus on a second, lower conveyor belt toward a loading platform that travels alongside the apparatus. It is preferred that the surfaces potentially contacting the produce, including specifically the work tables, be of stainless steel.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of Invention

[0002] This invention relates generally to apparatuses and methods for harvesting produce and wrapping it in a field setting and, more particularly, to an apparatus and method for assisting in the harvesting, washing, wrapping, storage and loading of produce (including preferably lettuce).

[0003] 2. Background of the Invention

[0004] The harvesting of certain types of produce, including for example varieties of lettuce, is accomplished manually. Typically, a person will, using a special cutting tool, cut the produce head from the root portion, so that it may be removed from the ground. There will be an additional cutting step, wherein external leaves are removed.

[0005] After the produce is harvested, there are additional processing steps that must occur before it can be readied for transport. Typically, these occur in the field. In some instances, the harvested produce will be bagged, and the bagged produce will be loaded into a box. Where the produce is lettuce and where the lettuce is to be bagged as part of the packing process, it is often referred to as “Wrap Lettuce.” Other types of lettuce will not be bagged and instead will be placed directly into a box—such lettuce is often referred to as “Flat Pack Lettuce.” After the lettuce is boxed, it must be loaded onto a truck or trailer. Thereafter, the boxed lettuce can be transported to a storage facility, processing facility, or other location remote from the site where harvesting has occurred.

[0006] Originally, the steps described herein were performed manually, and without the assistance of any kind of mobile harvesting apparatus. Thus, produce would be harvested, bagged (if necessary or desired), boxed, and loaded, with workers having to carry the produce during each step in the process. This approach was time-consuming and labor-intensive.

[0007] Later, a mobile harvesting apparatus was developed, that had the affect of streamlining the harvesting process and making it more automated. This apparatus consisted of a mobile work station, pulled by a tractor travelling in front, which would be positioned across a field with the wheels travelling in the furrows so as not to harm the produce. The mobile work station would provide locations for workers to bag produce, and would provide a roller surface on which empty boxes could be pushed in the direction of workers for the loading of produce or on which loaded boxes could be pushed in the direction of other workers for loading onto the truck.

[0008] There are a number of drawbacks with the prior art mobile harvesters. Because the unit was not self-propelled, it needed to be pulled through the field by a truck travelling in front. That truck would be travelling over produce that had not yet been harvested, and harm to the un-harvested produce can occur. Moreover, as the load on the truck increases in weight, it becomes necessary to transfer the load from the truck to another vehicle. However, loads sometimes fall during the transfer, occasionally injuring workers and/or harming produce. In addition, movement of loaded boxes along the rollers can be difficult.

[0009] A need therefore existed for an improved, mobile, harvesting apparatus and method. The improved apparatus and method should be self-propelled, so as to eliminate the need to place a vehicle in front of the apparatus to tow it through the field. The improved apparatus and method should also eliminate the need to transfer loaded produce from a towing vehicle to a second vehicle. The improved apparatus and method should further provide a conveyor belt apparatus for the movement of boxes. Preferably, a double conveyor belt apparatus should be provided, with one belt moving empty boxes toward workers for loading and with the other moving loaded boxes from workers for delivery to a vehicle.

[0010] Further, the improved harvesting apparatus should have stainless steel working surfaces, to as to promote greater health and safety. Yet further, the improved harvesting apparatus should incorporate a washing station, for the processing of Flat Pack Lettuce or the like.

[0011] The present invention satisfies these needs, and provides other related advantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved apparatus and method for the harvesting of hand-picked crops, where the apparatus is self-propelled.

[0013] It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved harvesting apparatus and method which eliminates the need to transfer loaded produce from a towing vehicle to a second vehicle.

[0014] It is a yet further object of the present invention to provide an improved harvesting apparatus and method incorporating a conveyor belt apparatus for the movement of boxes.

[0015] It is a still further object of the present invention to provide an improved harvesting apparatus and method incorporating a conveyor belt apparatus for the movement of boxes, wherein a double conveyor belt apparatus is provided, with one belt moving empty boxes toward workers for loading and with the other moving loaded boxes from workers for delivery to a vehicle.

[0016] It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved harvesting apparatus and method having stainless steel working surfaces, to as to promote greater health and safety.

[0017] It is a yet further object of the present invention to provide an improved harvesting apparatus and method incorporating a washing station, for the processing of Flat Pack Lettuce or the like.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0018] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a produce harvesting and wrapping apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus comprises, in combination: a self-propelled, elongated harvesting apparatus; a first conveyor belt located on the elongated harvesting apparatus and adapted to transport empty boxes along the first conveyor belt so that they may be utilized by packers working alongside the harvesting apparatus; a second conveyor belt located on the elongated harvesting apparatus below the first conveyor belt and adapted to transport packed boxes in a direction of a loading platform; and a plurality of work tables extending perpendicularly from the elongated harvesting apparatus.

[0019] In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a method of harvesting and wrapping produce is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of: providing a self-propelled, elongated harvesting apparatus; providing a first conveyor belt located on the elongated harvesting apparatus and adapted to transport empty boxes along the first conveyor belt so that they may be utilized by packers working alongside the harvesting apparatus; providing a second conveyor belt located on the elongated harvesting apparatus below the first conveyor belt and adapted to transport packed boxes in a direction of a loading platform; providing a plurality of work tables extending perpendicularly from the elongated harvesting apparatus; a cutter cutting an item of produce; the cutter handing the produce to a packer; the packer removing one the empty box from the first conveyor belt; the packer placing the item of produce in the empty box; the packer placing a packed box on the second conveyor belt; and the packed box travelling on the first conveyor belt in the direction of the loading platform.

[0020] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following, more particular, description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021]FIG. 1 is a top view of a produce washing apparatus consistent with the present invention.

[0022]FIG. 2 is a rear view of the produce washing apparatus of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0023] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a harvesting apparatus 10 (“apparatus 10”) consistent with the present invention is shown. The apparatus 10 is elongated and which travels on a plurality of wheels 12. The apparatus 10 is preferably self-propelled, with power being delivered to the wheels 12 from a power source 14. The apparatus 10 is driven by a driver 16 positioned within a driver station 18.

[0024] The wheels 12 are mounted to the apparatus 10 in a manner permitting them rotate sufficiently so that the apparatus 10 can be driven in a first direction and then, after rotation, in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction. Specifically, it will be desired to drive the apparatus 10 through a produce field in the direction of the furrows, with the wheels 12 travelling in the furrows 12. When the end of the field is reached, it will be desired to rotate the wheels 12 approximately 90 degrees, so that the apparatus 10 may be positioned for another pass through the field adjacent to the pass that has just been completed. The wheels 12 may then be restored to their prior position for the next pass.

[0025] Referring specifically to FIG. 1, a plurality of work tables 18 project outward from the apparatus 10. These work tables 18, which are preferably hinged and foldable upward to streamline the apparatus 10 for transport, should be spaced far enough apart to permit at least one packer 20 to stand therebetween. The surface of the work tables 18, which are expected to come into contact with the harvested produce, should be stainless steel, for greater food safety.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 1, behind the packers 20 will be a row of cutters 22. The role of the cutters 22 is to cut the produce and remove external leaves as needed. The cutter 22 may also bag the produce where that is desired. The cutter 22 then hands the harvested produce to the packer 20. If the produce is in a bag, the packer 20 may tie or otherwise securely close the bag. The packer 20 must then pack the produce into a box.

[0027] It is preferred to provide an upper conveyor belt 24 as well as a lower conveyor belt 26. Upper conveyor belt 24 is adapted to transport empty boxes (not shown) from the exit point of the apparatus 10 (i.e., the right side of FIGS. 1 and 2) along the row of packers 20. As they require them, packers 20 can simply reach up and take an empty box and position it for loading proximate to the lower conveyor belt 26. (It should be noted that it would be possible to have empty boxes loaded from the opposite side of the apparatus 10, and to have the upper conveyor belt 24 travel in the opposite direction thereon—i.e., from the left side to the right side of the apparatus 10 as shown in FIG. 2.)

[0028] The upper conveyor belt 24 should, preferably, be in essentially continuous motion during harvesting operations, so that as boxes are removed from the upper conveyor belt 24, additional boxes are constantly being moved forward to fill the opening left by such removal. At the end of the upper conveyor belt 24, there should be structure that will prevent boxes from falling off. Accordingly, in use, the motion of the upper conveyor belt 24 should be moving empty boxes toward the end of the upper conveyor belt 24, with the empty boxes continuing in motion until contacting either the structure at the end of the conveyor or another box—and with the belt sliding below empty boxes that are stacked against the end of the conveyor.

[0029] The lower conveyor belt 26 is adapted to transport loaded boxes (not shown) from the end point of the apparatus 10 (i.e., the left side of FIGS. 1 and 2) along the row of packers 20, to the exit point. As the packers 20 complete the loading of a box, it is positioned onto the lower conveyor belt 26, on which it then travels in the direction of the loading platform 28. Before reaching the loading platform 28, it will be preferable to raise the loaded boxes by transporting them along an elevator 30, from which they can be readily grasped and positioned on the loading platform 28.

[0030] The loading platform 28 may be a trailer or a truck. It should travel alongside the apparatus 10 during harvesting operations. Preferably, the loading platform 28 carries empty boxes (typically in an unfolded orientation), which may be loaded onto the upper conveyor belt 24 as needed. The loading platform 28 is also the location where packed boxes are loaded, after they have travelled along the lower conveyor belt 26 and up the elevator 30 (if provided). As necessary, the loading platform 28 can move away from the apparatus 10 during operation, for example when the apparatus 10 is being turned or when first loading platform 28 is fully-loaded and needs to be replaced with a second loading platform 28 with additional capacity.

[0031] As seen most easily in FIG. 2, it is preferable to provide a water tank 32 on the apparatus 10, which water tank 32 supplies water to nozzles 34. Water from nozzles 34 may be used to wash Flat Pack Lettuce or other harvested produce, as desired.

[0032] In operation, the apparatus 10 has been shown to increase efficiency as compared to prior art, tractor-pulled harvesting aids, by as much as 40%.

[0033] As discussed above, it is preferred that the surface of the work tables 18 be of stainless steel, to promote increased cleanliness. It is further preferred that other work surfaces potentially coming into contact with harvested produce be of stainless steel, including but not limited to the horizontal supports 36 to which the work tables 18 are coupled, the vertical supports 38 supporting the upper conveyor belt 24, and other surfaces of the apparatus 10 that could contact harvested produce.

[0034] Where harvesting operations are performed under conditions of significant heat or sun exposure, it may be desired to provide an awning, coupled to the apparatus 10, and extending over at least a portion of work tables 18. In this manner, the awning (not shown) can provide shade to at least a portion of the packers 20 and cutters 22.

[0035] While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing and other changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. 

I claim:
 1. A produce harvesting and wrapping apparatus comprising, in combination: a self-propelled, elongated harvesting apparatus; a first conveyor belt located on said elongated harvesting apparatus and adapted to transport empty boxes along said first conveyor belt so that they may be utilized by packers working alongside said harvesting apparatus; a second conveyor belt located on said elongated harvesting apparatus below said first conveyor belt and adapted to transport packed boxes in a direction of a loading platform; and a plurality of work tables extending perpendicularly from said elongated harvesting apparatus.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said first conveyor belt travels in a first direction and wherein said second conveyor belt travels in a second direction opposite said first direction.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said work tables may be folded upward for storage.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said work tables have a stainless steel surface.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising an elevator section located at an end of said second conveyor belt and adapted to transport said packed boxes from an end of said second conveyor belt to a point proximate said loading platform.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising: a water tank coupled to said apparatus; and at least one spray nozzle adapted to spray water from said water tank onto harvested produce.
 8. A method of harvesting and wrapping produce comprising the steps of: providing a self-propelled, elongated harvesting apparatus; providing a first conveyor belt located on said elongated harvesting apparatus and adapted to transport empty boxes along said first conveyor belt so that they may be utilized by packers working alongside said harvesting apparatus; providing a second conveyor belt located on said elongated harvesting apparatus below said first conveyor belt and adapted to transport packed boxes in a direction of a loading platform; providing a plurality of work tables extending perpendicularly from said elongated harvesting apparatus; a cutter cutting an item of produce; said cutter handing said produce to a packer; said packer removing one said empty box from said first conveyor belt; said packer placing said item of produce in said empty box; said packer placing a packed box on said second conveyor belt; and said packed box travelling on said first conveyor belt in the direction of said loading platform.
 9. The method of claim 8 wherein said first conveyor belt travels in a first direction and wherein said second conveyor belt travels in a second direction opposite said first direction.
 10. The method of claim 8 wherein said work tables may be folded upward for storage.
 11. The method of claim 8 wherein said work tables have a stainless steel surface.
 12. The method of claim 8 further comprising the step of providing an elevator section located at an end of said second conveyor belt and adapted to transport said packed boxes from an end of said second conveyor belt to a point proximate said loading platform.
 13. The method of claim 8 further comprising the steps of: coupling a water tank to said apparatus; providing on said apparatus at least one spray nozzle adapted to spray water from said water tank onto harvested produce; and spraying said water from said water tank through said at least one spray nozzle onto harvested produce. 